Abstract
A study was designed to investigate management factors that might influence the shedding of
verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157 by beef cows in Scotland, where there
is a particularly high rate of human infection. Thirty-two herds were visited at least monthly over
approximately 1 year for collection of fresh faecal pat samples and information on management
factors. The faecal pat samples were tested for VTEC O157 by established culture and
immunomagnetic separation methods. Questionnaires were completed at the monthly visits to
record management factors. Data were analysed using both univariate and multi-factor (GLMM)
analysis. Changes in the number of cows in a group, dogs, wild geese, housing, and the feeding of
draff (distillers’ grains) were statistically significant as risk factors. The event of calving appeared
to reduce the likelihood of shedding. Any effects of weaning or turnout were not statistically
significant. It appears that the rate of shedding of VTEC O157 is influenced by several factors
but possibly the most important of these are the circumstances of animals being housed, or, when
outside, the presence of wild geese.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 301 - 312 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Epidemiology and Infection |
Volume | 130 |
Publication status | First published - 2003 |
Bibliographical note
567102Keywords
- Beef
- Cows
- Escherichia coli O157
- Shedding